Princess Zhaojun Long Beans

Princess Zhaojun Long Beans

Princess Zhaojun Long Beans are a protected geographical indication agricultural product.

　　Princess Zhaojun Long Beans are a specialty of Zhaojun Town, Xingshan County, Yichang City, Hubei Province. These beans are not only delicious fresh but also excellent when dried, making them easy to store. They are a prized delicacy in banquets and an ideal ingredient for soups such as chicken or pork rib stew. Widely beloved among locals, they are honored as the "King of Beans." Princess Zhaojun Long Beans are a nationally protected geographical indication agricultural product.

　　Grown in the high-altitude mountainous regions of Xingshan County—hometown of Princess Zhaojun—at elevations between 1,000 and 1,500 meters, Princess Zhaojun Long Beans are a traditional local variety of culinary beans. The beans are named for their appearance: when mature, the pods turn white with vibrant red streaks and curve gracefully like elegant eyebrows.

　　Princess Zhaojun Long Beans are the first vegetable product in Yichang City to receive China’s National Protected Geographical Indication status. The Qiao Hongyan-branded beans are grown in a base located within the Longmenhe National Forest Park in Xingshan County, facing Shennongding—the "Lung of Central China." The production base has been recognized by the China Association for the Promotion of International Agricultural Cooperation as a "Safe Agricultural Products Joint Production and Sales Cooperative Base" and a "Yichang Vegetable Standardization Demonstration Base." The Qiao Hongyan-branded Princess Zhaojun Long Beans won a gold award at the 9th Wuhan Agricultural Expo. In 2013, they were certified as Grade A Green Food.

　　Princess Zhaojun Long Beans are highly favored by consumers and are currently sold in cities such as Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Changsha, Chengdu, and Wuhan. Due to limited supply, they are available only through high-end restaurants and hotels.

　　In 2013, the "Princess Zhaojun Long Beans" application submitted by the Shengshi Hongyan Vegetable Professional Cooperative of Xingshan County passed the review by the Agricultural Product Quality and Safety Center of the Ministry of Agriculture and expert evaluation, leading to the implementation of national geographical indication registration and protection.

　　Geographical Scope

　　Princess Zhaojun Long Beans are primarily produced in the mountainous regions of Xingshan County. The protected geographical indication area spans from 110°25′ to 111°06′ east longitude and 31°04′ to 31°34′ north latitude. It includes cultivated lands at elevations of 1,000–1,500 meters across 31 villages in seven towns: Zhaojun, Nanyang, Huangliang, Gufu, Shuiyuesi, Zhenzi, and Gaoqiao. The total planting area covers 50,000 mu (approximately 3,333 hectares), with an annual yield of 10,000 metric tons.

　　Product Quality Characteristics

　　1. External Sensory Features: The bean pods are long and cylindrical with nearly circular cross-sections. The pod color is white with bright purplish-red streaks. Pods range from 8–15 cm in length, have a slightly fuzzy surface with a fragrant aroma, and contain plump, kidney-shaped beans with smooth skins. The thousand-seed weight is 900–1,000 g, and the beans are milky white with light purple streaks. Dried pods are curved, with wrinkled skins tightly clinging to the beans, turning yellow with slight dark purple patterns. 2. Internal Quality Indicators: Protein ≥17%, Starch ≥35%, Amino Acids ≥16%, Crude Fiber ≤8.5%, Potassium ≥1.86%, Calcium ≥0.35%. 3. Quality and Safety Requirements: Pesticide residue levels must not exceed national food safety standards. Sensory and hygiene inspections follow the "NY/T 271-1995 Green Food Yardlong Beans" standards. Packaging, transportation, and storage must comply with the "NY/T 748-2012" regulations.